Trail development running behind schedule

Delay means more federal dollars for project in long run, engineer says

Delay means more federal dollars for project in long run, engineer says

April 03, 2007

By Jackie Burke American News Writer The recreation trail development might be slightly behind schedule, but it means more federal dollars in the long run, an engineer told the parks board Wednesday. It could be as late as April when the city gets bids back for the trails, said Bob Babcock, an engineer with Helms & Associates. Babcock said because the money comes from city, state and federal dollars, the bids have to abide by state and federal laws - meaning a longer waiting period. In the long run it shouldn't matter too much, Babcock said, but to concrete workers, it means losing about a month. The cost of the trail project is about $750,000, Babcock said. He said after reviewing the numbers, the trails should be right on budget. He said the only part of the project he is worried about is making sure all trails have warning strips near the intersections. The warning strips are red and textured with bumps to warn trail-goers of the upcoming intersection. Installing the warning strips will cost about $37,000, Babcock said. The trails look like 9-foot-wide sidewalks and have signs designating them as recreational trails where people can ride their bikes or in-line skate, said Doug Johnson, parks and rec director. The 2007 trail development plan includes putting trails along:

Dakota Street (Eighth Avenue North to 10th Avenue South).

Dakota Street (13th Avenue South to 14th Avenue South).

14th Avenue Southeast (Lloyd Street to Dakota Street).

First Avenue Northeast (Dakota Street to DM&E Grade).

DM&E Grade (First Avenue Northeast to Second Avenue Northeast).

First Avenue South (State Street to Lancelot Drive).

State Street (First Avenue Southeast to Second Avenue Southeast).

Second Avenue Southeast (State Street to Kline Street). In other action on Wednesday, the Parks and Rec board:

Approved the lease agreement with Gary Meyers for hayland at Baird Park.

Approved change orders for work associated with construction of the bathhouse at the aquatic center.

Approved change orders for work associated with the elevator at the Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center.